Some veteran retirees could feel financial hit

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AmVets Post 133 Commander Jim Vines writes the weekly column, "Veterans' Corner." Index

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April 15, 2012

Some veteran retirees could feel financial hit

Anonymous Mineral Wells Index The Mineral Wells Index Sun Apr 15, 2012, 07:00 AM CDT

By Jim Vines | jim.helpingveterans@gmail.com

TRICARE Prime fee increases, limited access to military treatment facilities, and fewer civilian care providers are likely to be an issue in this year and beyond.

According to the Military Officers Association of America, TRICARE working-age military retirees will take a significant hit under the proposed defense budget. MOAA reports that the proposed changes include tiered enrollment fees based on a retiree’s rank.

This means that senior-grade retirees would pay more for their health care than junior retirees. MOAA points out that tiered approach would make military retirees the only group of government retirees subject to health care-means testing.

The Department of Defense budget proposal also asks Congress to make another round of Base Realignment and Closures (BRAC) in order to reduce excess infrastructure. MOAA warns retirees that more base closures would result in fewer military treatment facilities and clinics, in addition to access to other valuable benefits.

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